Ohio and its capital Columbus have been called "America's Crossroads"
Principal transportation routes of the 19th century including the extensive
canal and railroad networks found major intersections within the boundaries
of the state. In the 20th century, the National Road, the Lincoln Highway
and the Dixie Highway, three of the most significant early transcontinental
automobile routes, all passed through the Buckeye state.
Through a myriad of industries, Ohio also played a significant role in the development and advancement of the automobile and automobile travel. From the first concrete pavement in the United States, to the manufacture of the first rubber automobile tire, to the refining of oil and selling of gasoline, Ohio companies contributed along the way. Other companies are noted for their specific contributions to roadside culture: an operating system for selling hamburgers, a prefabricated building concept, and innovations in the fast food industry. This conference will examine a few of these companies and celebrate Ohio's role in forming the national landscape that has captured our attention.
Conference Overview
"Made in Ohio" is the Society for Commercial Archeology's first conference
in the state. The event is structured around three basic themes:
Enameled Eateries - Since 1934, the White Castle System has been headquartered in Columbus, including their own Porcelain Steel Buildings Company. Considered the original fast food restaurant, White Castle will be featured through presentations and tour stops. A presentation on the history of porcelain enameling will serve as background for discussions about the building systems.
Durable Domiciles - Born of roadside service stations and descended from those gleaming White Castles, the Lustron home, the all-steel porcelain enameled prefabricated house, was manufactured in Columbus from 1947-50. In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the height of the Lustron era, the program features a significant Lustron component.
Fast Food - From the opening reception to our keynote address, Ohio's mark on the roadside will be examined via the fast food industry. Ohio has been the home state of a surprisingly high number of roadside eating enterprises, as well as the originator of the country's best-selling ice cream treat.